Ricky Bell Reveals the Untold Story of Bell Biv DeVoe – The Rise, Fall, and Unbelievable Comeback

Bell Biv DeVoe (BBD) wasn’t just a side project of New Edition—it was a revolution in R&B and hip-hop. When Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe stepped away from their legendary boy band roots, they created something fresh and groundbreaking.

Their debut album, Poison, sold over 4 million copies and established them as pioneers of the New Jack Swing era. But despite their success, the industry wasn’t always on their side. Ricky Bell is now revealing what really happened to BBD—the struggles, the industry betrayals, and the incredible comeback that no one saw coming.

The Birth of Bell Biv DeVoe

By the late ‘80s, New Edition was in turmoil. Bobby Brown had already been kicked out for his wild behavior, and Ralph Tresvant was considering a solo career. The record label didn’t know what to do next, and the group’s future was uncertain. That’s when legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who had just turned Janet Jackson into a global superstar, came up with a bold idea.

Rather than trying to replicate New Edition, they saw potential in the group’s supporting members. Bell, Bivins, and DeVoe weren’t lead vocalists, but they had charisma, energy, and the ability to reinvent themselves. Instead of competing with smooth R&B acts, they fused hip-hop with R&B—something that had never been done before.

Bell Biv DeVoe wasn’t just a spin-off—it was a survival move. They weren’t trying to be New Edition 2.0. They were creating something entirely new.

The Industry Didn’t Believe in Them—Until “Poison”

When BBD released Poison in 1990, even their own label was skeptical. Executives thought the song was too aggressive, the lyrics too raw. They doubted that Bell Biv DeVoe could be taken seriously.

But the song exploded. It became an instant classic, an anthem that defined an era. With its infectious beat and edgy lyrics, Poison didn’t just top the charts—it changed the sound of R&B. New Jack Swing was already on the rise, but BBD gave it an attitude and rebellious energy that set them apart.

The success didn’t stop there. Their first album produced five hit singles, making Bell Biv DeVoe one of the biggest acts in the world. But fame came at a cost.

The Pressure to Stay on Top & The Industry’s Cold Shoulder

BBD’s meteoric rise created enormous pressure. The industry demanded another hit, another Poison. Their label rushed them to release a second album, Hootie Mack, in 1993, hoping to cash in on their momentum.

But you can’t force lightning to strike twice.

Hootie Mack lacked the same impact as Poison. The production felt rushed, the marketing wasn’t as strong, and the industry had already started looking for the next big thing. Critics dismissed them as a one-hit wonder, and the same record executives who once championed them suddenly lost interest.

By the mid-90s, New Jack Swing was fading. R&B was shifting towards a smoother, more sultry sound, and hardcore hip-hop was dominating the charts. BBD found themselves caught in the middle—too hip-hop for traditional R&B fans, but not rap enough to compete with rising rap stars.

As radio stations stopped playing their music and their label deprioritized them, BBD faced a harsh reality: the industry that once celebrated them had already moved on.

Ricky Bell’s Personal Struggles

While the group was struggling to stay relevant, Ricky Bell was battling personal demons behind the scenes. The stress of fading success, the pressure to maintain an image, and the lack of guidance on handling fame led him down a dark path.

Ricky later admitted that at BBD’s peak, he was spiraling out of control with addiction. The money was coming in fast, but no one had taught them how to manage it.

The industry had used them for hits but didn’t care about their well-being. When Ricky needed help, no record executives were there to support him. His addiction nearly cost him everything—his career, his relationships, and even his life.

The Industry Wrote Them Off—But They Weren’t Done Yet

By the early 2000s, Bell Biv DeVoe had all but disappeared from the mainstream music scene. Labels weren’t calling. Radio wasn’t playing their songs. But something incredible was happening—fans had never forgotten them.

While the industry moved on, BBD’s music remained a staple at parties, in clubs, and on throwback playlists. Poison became timeless. Younger generations were discovering their music through movies, commercials, and streaming platforms.

The group realized that they didn’t need the industry’s approval anymore. They had something even more powerful—loyal fans.

The Comeback No One Expected

Rather than chasing mainstream success, BBD focused on their core audience. They started touring non-stop, performing for fans who never stopped loving them.

Then, in 2017, something huge happened. BET released The New Edition Story, a three-part biopic that chronicled the rise, fall, and redemption of New Edition and its spin-off acts. The movie reintroduced Bell Biv DeVoe to a new generation and reminded old fans why they fell in love with them in the first place.

Capitalizing on the renewed interest, BBD dropped Three Stripes, their first album in 16 years. Unlike many comeback albums that fail to connect, Three Stripes debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes R&B chart. It featured collaborations with SWV, Boyz II Men, and Doug E. Fresh, blending their classic New Jack Swing sound with a modern twist.

Still Selling Out Shows Decades Later

Today, Bell Biv DeVoe is still thriving. They continue to tour, selling out shows across the country. They don’t need radio play or major label deals. They have something stronger—an unshakable legacy.

Ricky Bell, once at rock bottom, is now an inspiration. He speaks openly about his battle with addiction, raising awareness about mental health in the music industry. He’s living proof that redemption is possible.

The Industry Tried to Forget Them—But Fans Never Did

Bell Biv DeVoe’s story is more than just music. It’s about resilience. It’s about survival. It’s about proving the industry wrong.

They weren’t supposed to last. The music business saw them as a trend that would fade away with the ’90s. But here they are, decades later, still performing, still making music, and still proving that legends never truly fade.

Bell Biv DeVoe didn’t just change R&B—they defined an era. And in the end, the industry didn’t make them. The fans did.